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(Honolulu) – First Day Hikes, in all 50 states started nine years ago as one way to encourage people to get out into nature by enjoying the enormous variety of state parks. Hawai‘i’s version of the First Day Hike, held on New Year’s Day, is unique for a number of reasons. It’s among the best attended, with as many as 700 people making the one-mile hike to the Makapu‘u overlook at the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline on O‘ahu’s east side.

(Honolulu) – A recent land acquisition by federal, state and private-sector partners has ensured the protection of an entire watershed and nearly the entire ahupua‘a, from the Koʻolau summit to Waimea Bay. This native forest provides habitat for native plants and animals, many of them rare and endangered.

(Honolulu) – For many years, officers of the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) have worn blue uniforms, which in some cases made it difficult for people to tell them apart from county police officers.  Beginning next year, DOCARE officers have a complement of new uniforms that better reflect their duties and responsibilities protecting and enforcing Hawai‘i’s natural and cultural resource laws.

(Kailua-Kona) –On Tuesday December 31, 2019, the DLNR State Parks Division will be closing Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area, Kīholo State Park Reserve and Kekaha Kai State Park (Mahai’ula and Kua Bay sections) early at 5 p.m.  Closing of the parks early is to discourage fireworks. All fireworks are prohibited in state parks to protect the natural resources of the area.

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR SUZANNE D. CASE  CHAIRPERSON   For Immediate News Release: December 24, 2019   STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION DIVISION MARKS ...
Read More 12/24/19 – STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION DIVISION MARKS IMPROVEMENT MILESTONES

(Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park) – One of the sure signs of the new management paradigm for this state park and the adjoining Hā‘ena State Park on Kaua‘i is a truer wilderness experience for people hardy enough to hike 11-miles one-way to Kalalau Beach.

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR SUZANNE D. CASE  CHAIRPERSON   For Immediate News Release: December 16, 2019     2,317 Acres At Waikapuna ...
Read More 12/16/19 – 2,317 ACRES AT WAIKAPUNA CONSERVED

(Kahului, Maui) – Following the introduction of paid parking this year at several State Parks (Hā’ena State Park and Kōkeʻe-Waimea Canyon State Park, Kaua‘i), the DLNR Division of State Parks will institute paid parking at Mākena State Park beginning the first week of January 2020.

(Honolulu) – It’s become an iconic New Year’s Day tradition in Hawai‘i and across the country.  State Parks in all 50 states are again offering free, guided, First Day Hikes, on Jan. 1, 2020. In the Aloha State, the hike to the Makapu‘u Lookout at the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline is actually self-guided; just follow the crowd up the one-mile-long, paved path for stunning views as the sun rises at 7:09 a.m.

(Hā‘ena State Park, Kaua‘i) – The tools of their trade include the power of persuasion, friendly reminders, and as warranted, the threat of contacting law enforcement.  One of the most visible features of what has been called a “new day” for Hā’ena State Park and the adjacent Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park, is the presence of park rangers.